Ghost on Black Mountain (39 page)

Do you believe in ghosts?

My logical mind says no, but I have had experiences that can’t be explained away. In June of 2010, while on a writing retreat, I went to take photos of the church that inspired the First Episcopal Church of Black Mountain. I had to hike a good half mile off the road into the woods. I was alone. When I found the perfect shot, a black shadow scurried across my screen. I searched around the area for the source and never found one. I took the photo without any more events. I couldn’t help but think of Nellie and how she saw Merlin on the way to the pastor’s house near the church. But to answer
your question, I mostly enjoy a good ghost story without worrying about the real sprits.

What is your next project? Will there be more Black Mountain books?

The answer to this question goes with the question about Shelly. I’m currently working on a novel about Shelly Parker in which I find out what happens to her after Nellie leaves the mountain. What does she do with the money Nellie gives her? What’s her history? What does Shelly want more than anything else in her life? Yes, there are plenty of ghosts. And I’m coming to know Pastor Dobbins and his family better. Also there are a few new characters, like Maude Tuggle, the granny woman.

The rough draft of the third book is finished. This novel tells the story of Hobbs and his sister as children. This book was actually written right after I finished the first draft of
Ghost on Black Mountain.
I wanted to know what made Hobbs who he became.

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